David Carlucci stands up for the black-dirt onion

Sen. David Carlucci, a member of the Independent Democratic Conference, hopes to boost a hard-pressed industry in his district and fill a surprising gap in New York’s never-ending celebration of itself: In legislation introduced last week, Carlucci wants to make the onion the official state vegetable.

While we have a state fruit (apple) and a state muffin (also apple) and even a state fossil (the sea scorpion, of course), the Empire State currently has no state vegetable — not the mighty cabbages of western New York, nor the proud snap bean of the Southern Tier.

Carlucci’s district includes the “black-dirt” region of southern Orange County, a former floodplain with some 5,000 acres given over to yellow onion cultivation. The lawmaker said it produces half of all the onions consumed in New York.

More than that, “It’s one of the most fertile areas in the country in terms of produce,” said Carlucci.

Alas, the region that used to be known as “the onion capital of the United States” has lost market share to states such as Texas and Oregon, where the growing season is longer. Accordingly, farmers in the region have diversified by giving up acreage for radishes, cabbage, corn and even sod farming.

“It’s a tough business, because they’re got to grow thousands and thousands of pounds to make anything,” said Carlucci.

There is, of course, one issue that’s sure to come up during any floor debate: Don’t they make your breath stink?

“Yes, that’s true. … I try to avoid them if I’m going to a meeting,” Carlucci said.